What causes homelessness?

September 24, 2018

Getting at the heart of the matter.

When is the last time you read a good book? Or read the news? You probably take your ability to read, and to understand what you read, for granted.

There is conclusive evidence that reading proficiency is a direct predictor of future success. Children who are strong readers by fourth grade are more likely to graduate from high school, and pursue college or vocational training.

What does this have to do with homelessness?

Let’s take this a step further, closer to the heart of the matter. Adults who don’t graduate from high school are more likely to be arrested, more likely to be incarcerated, more likely to struggle financially and more likely to face poverty and chronic stress. And more likely to face homelessness.

At Raleigh Rescue Mission our strategy is to treat the root causes of poverty. To get to the heart of the matter.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Many of the children, AND MANY OF THE ADULTS, who come to the Mission have been subjected to trauma, including domestic abuse, substance abuse, sexual abuse and other family disorders or disturbances. Living through these adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to “toxic stress” which affects brain development and can lead to long-term emotional, mental, and physical health problems.

Our New Life Plan has classes, counseling, and services for adults and children aimed at building resilience to bring back health and hope.

This summer we launched a new reading program, and we are now able to offer tutoring to the children in our care to make sure they are reading at grade level, so that they won’t lose interest in school.  Dropping out of high school, and dropping out of life, can begin at a very young age. Low literacy affects morale, it affects self confidence, it affects the ability to get a well-paying job . . . It’s all connected.

Read how we’re helping our clients break the cycle of poverty with our New Life Plan.